FDNY Showcases Drones for Emergency Response at First Responder Conference

At a recent first responder conference, the Fire Department New York showed how drones can be utilized by emergency personnel during large-scale crises. The FDNY employed this cutting-edge technology last month during the Ann Street building collapse, demonstrating its potential as a lifesaving tool.

In situations where Firefighters were unable to enter, drones provided an aerial perspective of the scene. The FDNY offered a more in-depth look at its extensive drone fleet, including the DJI Matrice 30 at the Search and Rescue Field Medicine Symposium, an event that attracts first responders from across the U.S. and ten other Countries.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh emphasized that “all of our technology is meant to give our members situational awareness, let them know what they’re going into, let us assess the danger ahead of time.”

As the nation’s largest fire department, the FDNY boasts over 40 drones, each with distinct features. During a demonstration, firefighters showcased one drone’s capabilities in a simulated emergency situation. Hovering above a “victim,” the drone captured thermal scans and transmitted real-time information on the extent of injuries to First Responders.

An FDNY member reportedly explained, “When we do triage we are looking for a few things, we’re looking to see are they alert, are they bleeding, are there any major bleeds, things like that we can see from the drone unit.”

While the demonstration focused on current technology, the fire department is also eager to unveil new tools in the near future.

FDNY Assistant Chief of MES Operations Cesar Escobar revealed, “We are trying to do research on if this is something where we can bring blood or blood products to the scene of major disasters.”